A Jesuit missionary in the Languedoc region of France, John Regis was known for his ability to reach common people. In each district he visited, he would send letters to the rich listing six poor individuals in need, with a monetary amount they should donate. By appealing to rich and poor alike, he got real results. He opened lace and embroidery factories as an alternative trade for prostitutes. Always working in primitive conditions, he died of pneumonia in the Pyrenees.